Follow-up, The actual repair list and prices the dealership tried to push on us. It's a scam ripoff.

Avoid the dealership for non warranty repairs. Auto dealerships are not your go to place for honest repairs, in my opinion.

[@hphillips7425]

Dealerships can't find any problems during warranty but can find numerous problems after it expires. ( memphis toyota dealerships)

[@FrugalMeScott]

And they seem to dislike warranty work!

[@AT-wl9yq]

No, for both comments. Dealerships make a fortune off warranty repairs. On a warranty repair, the dealer bills the manufacturer about $150-$200 per hour labor plus retail prices on any needed parts. The manufacturer usually pays for a rental while the customers car is in the shop. The dealer almost always figures out a way to get a cut of that, as well. Here's what no one is going to tell you. Because the dealers make so much money on warranty repairs, most manufacturers have a policy of no upselling warranty repairs. Here's what that means. If you bring your vehicle in to the service department for any reason, its standard policy at most dealers to fill out one of those check out sheets with everything the tech checks when they have the car. If the tech finds something wrong with the car other than what you brought it in for, they're only allowed to tell you about the problem if its not something that would be covered under warranty. If it is, they're not allowed to say anything. That's not the dealers fault, its the manufacturers fault. Most brands have this policy in place, including Toyota, and I personally think its a horrible thing to do. But never think the dealer doesn't make money on warranty repairs. The manufacturer is their biggest customer. I'm a dealership tech, and I look for warranty work only. I'll only do customer pay work if I have to. My paychecks are not small.

[@dougjones9493]

​@@FrugalMeScott because the manufacturer tells them how much they will pay them they can't scam them

[@jeffro221]

@@AT-wl9yq So you are saying dealerships and their techs make more money doing warranty work than doing customer paid work? That goes against everything I have ever heard. about warranty vs. customer paid repairs.

[@littlet7556]

They make a lot less on warranty work. No way $150-200. You're full of it

[@onenikkione]

Most dealerships have HIGH "over-head" cost. Some of the new dealerships look like a Taj Majal. Someone has to pay for all of the fluff.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Agree, fluff!

[@ToungeLaxier]

We had a stealership undergo massive expansion and facility upgrades. Had to have cost $5-10 million. I will never purchase a vehicle from them. Consumers don't need a big screen TV to watch and a cushy overstuffed couch while they are purchasing a car, they need a fair price.

[@kenuber4014]

Yep the owner does, not the consumer. Does the fancy building make for a better deal? Nope...It makes for a crappy deal!

[@Klara104]

@@ToungeLaxier "Stealership" Love it !

[@maxwellcrazycat9204]

Modern automobiles need far less maintenance then those in the past. Thus repair shops. Mostly new car dealerships have had to invent maintenance items to upsell the customers with.

[@mkdnreed01]

I had a local Toyota dealership in Colorado quote me $323 to replace one TPMS sensor. I wanted all four changed and they said in would be $1292. I bought an Autel TPMS tool and 4 of their sensors for less than the cost of the dealership doing one sensor. I do every bit of maintenance that I can in my garage and avoid the dealership like the plague.

[@FrugalMeScott]

You are doing the right thing! How do these people sleep at night?

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

Same here. Years ago I bought Haynes and Chilton maintenance, repair manuals for me and family's vehicles.bought all the neccessary tools , bidirectional scanner, . 71 retired lineman diyer

[@chodkowski01]

Or better yet just buy a $11 dollar air gauge and check your pressure every now and then.

[@wearethelandrovers9014]

Discount Tires quoted me a price of $240 to replace all four sensors. I told them to put their sensors where the sun don't shine. They are just useless (expensive) garbage.

[@ClaudiaAnn-uk5dv]

This is where dealerships make their most money. They are a scam. Conrads is a scam too. They said I need back brakes and rotors on my Eclipse for 784.00. The brakes did need replace on the back but not low enough to cause damage. I ordered all the parts rotors -rotors-fluid-brake cleaner-and grease for 136.00 total.

[@ziggzaggzip8241]

Honda dealership quoted a female coworker of mine $444.42, to replace her passenger side mirror with a new motor on her 2012 Civic. I checked her side mirror and all it needed was a new mirror and cover because the motor that moved the mirror was working. I told her the motor was fine and to purchase the parts on Amazon, and I'll install them for her. She said the service department told her some 🐂💩 about parts must fit perfectly and the motor the titled the mirrors, needs the blah...blah....blah. she took my advice and 2 days later the parts arrived. I showed her how easily to snap in the new mirror and cover under 5 minutes. Both parts were under $60. Saved her $388 and a free lunch for me👏👏👏

[@FrugalMeScott]

@@ziggzaggzip8241 that’s a win!

[@GixxerRider1991]

A Subaru dealer tried to get my mother in law for services that had been performed on the last visit! They really thought no one would notice. Dealers are as crooked as a barrel of snakes.

[@FrugalMeScott]

And snakes they are!

[@CouchMan88]

I rotated my own tires and changed the cabin filter before I went to Subaru last time so they can’t tell me I need to do it. I did have them change my oil which is a rip off but since the car is new I want a little service history in case of any issues.

[@FrugalMeScott]

@@CouchMan88 thank u. I will be soon doing a video on oil changes and cabin filter scams. Stay tuned!

[@doom4067]

Some of them will still recommend that you replace a brand new air filter. Some mechanics will put dirt in your new filter to show it to you.

[@tedjones-ho2zk]

Name the dealership, put them on notice.....

[@ragtopdlxzl1]

Toyota of Brunswick Ga. 1000 Millennium blvd. Brunswick Ga. 31525 is what his service bill says.

[@PleaseNoMoreFarmhouseDecor]

Just say no people. That's all it takes for this market to normalize. It is that simple.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Exactly! The reason a burger lunch is 16 to 22 bucks is because people aren’t saying no!

[@kellismith4329]

They will grow hungry waiting for me to come buy one of those money pits

[@tory1831]

You need to get the work done somehow. I do agree with you.

[@jeffaulik3980]

A few years ago, a dealer tried to sell me an air filter when I had replaced it myself less than 8 hours before.

[@FrugalMeScott]

It’s happened to us to! Crazy.

[@littlet7556]

Me too

[@roddycreswell8613]

@@littlet7556 I changed my own oil then took my car to get tires. They asked if I wanted my oil changed because it was black and smelled burnt.

[@2pugman]

The Toyota dealership replaced my wife's cabin filter @ $49.95. The car was 3 years old. After seven years that cabin filter still looks fine.

[@FrugalMeScott]

@@2pugman absolutely and for years cars didn’t even have them!

[@ruckinehround6965]

I just bought a new Toyota 4Runner and they called me about the first service….I told them I do my own maintenance and did my first oil change at 700km. Again at 1300km. Just because I seen a little more metal in the initial breakin oil than I like….the second one had a little. The third one at 2500km had none. Told them I used synthetic oil as called for in manual and keep all receipts and oil lot #s for traceable maintenance . They call me every week seems like because other than purchase the vehicle isn’t in their system. Don’t be afraid folks, doing maintenance is therapy, it sure makes me sleep good knowing I saved money and it’s done right…..cheers.

[@GeneralChangFromDanang]

I made the mistake of taking my new car to a local shop for oil changes just so I had a receipt paper trail for any warranty needs. I'll be doing the next oil change myself after noticing that they keep putting the wrong oil in and can't make up their minds on which weight to use.

[@FrugalMeScott]

@@ruckinehround6965 excellent input!

[@FrugalMeScott]

@@GeneralChangFromDanang you definitely can’t trust them!

[@donnovicki9771]

I know someone that is a "service advisor" at a Subaru dealer who told me their job is to separate the customer from as much money as possible when they come in. If you needed a new muffler they would recommend a whole new exhaust system. This person typically gets a 6-8000 dollar bonus every month after screwing the customer over.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Thanks for sharing that. This is happening way too often.

[@Th3Think3r]

I had an exhaust hanger break so my exhaust was clanking around a bit. The advisor told me the party line that they'd only replace the entire exhaust (>$1000) but then she told me in a hushed tone that I could go to a chain like CarEx and get it fixed for < $50 which is what I did. Not sure if she had a conscience or just figured she might be able to win points because she did not think there was any way I'd go for the parts cannon.

[@FrugalMeScott]

@@Th3Think3r thank u for sharing!

[@FrugalMeScott]

@@Th3Think3r a win! The are a few honest ones out there!

[@reubenj.cogburn8546]

I was an auto mechanic for 45 years. I watched things go from points and condenser, to direct injection. Rule number one: never, I repeat never, take an inspection sheet that is laid out in traffic light colors for anything other than it actually is... toilet paper. Rule number two: advise the service advisor when you drop it off that you are going to question every single one of their recommendations and ask for evidence Beyond " we recommend replacement because of age". Rule number three: avoid going to the stealership at all costs. Someone is paying for all that fancy overhead, and it ain't the boss. Rule Number Four: all shops are not created equal. It is on you to find a good one. It seems silly to be locked into a contract with a business you neither Trust or are happy with. I would rather do business with someone of High Caliber character because he's going to help me make a decision about my car rather than targeting my wallet. As a final note, I don't play the modern card game anymore. These days I can still find simple to operate cars out of the 80s and 90s that require none of this nonsense or expense And I get to drive cool cars

[@FrugalMeScott]

That’s very well said.

[@davidbeers5949]

We have a local dealership who's over the years have given their sons dealerships in other towns. I have dealt with them all in one way or another and prefer to drive to the one farthest away to us because of how I'm treated there they are very honest with everything and I told the owner that once that's why we drive there.

[@dmo848]

Highly agree. I'm trying to keep my 05 Grand Prix going as long as the wheels will turn😊

[@darrellteague8629]

I've put my 97 back on the road. I got rid of my 2014.... It's cheap computerized junk. Over sensored..

[@stinkycheese804]

Meh, if you bring a vehicle to them that really, legitimately has a problem, you would be handed the same inspection sheet and it indicates that problem. I'm not suggesting there isn't a lot of fraud out there but the design of the sheet, is just what the shop settled on and means nothing really.

[@kendowton8661]

I worked for over 40 years in dealerships. BIG difference is I was NOT on commission but paid an hourly wage plus bonus if I beat flat rate. I NEVER sold anyone anything that they didn't need. Those that do give all of us a bad name.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Thank u so much for your input Ken. I would love to think that most are honest but I’m in doubt mode. At this point I’m thinking 33 percent is about as honest and ethical as it’s going to be.

[@bobbamford5207]

I worked Toyota for 33 years. Flat rate is much more profitable for the Dealer. Never saw a Dealer that was commission and bonus for beating flat rate that went bye bye in the early 80's. Labor rate up flat rate times down with more difficult repairs.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Job well done and we certainly appreciate you and your dedication . Your input is greatly appreciated.

[@bobtepedino5661]

My little-old-lady cousin was proud of her independence: one of the ways she proved she could still manage her life was the fact that she maintained her $500 old car - that she drove less than 3000 per year - via a relationship with the local Chevron station. When she stopped driving in 1999 and decided to sell her '77 Plymouth Volare, she proudly showed me the neat box stuffed with repair receipts she had accumulated over the years. One example: every 6-8 months over the past several years Chevron had her replace the car's "serpentine belt" for about $700 a pop. (You know where this is going!) (1) Serpentine belts were nowhere NEAR $700 to replace in 1999. (2) Serpentine belts have at least 30,000 mile replacement recommendations. (3) 1977 Plymouth Volares DO NOT HAVE a serpentine belt. Especially with old people, these mechanics have licenses to steal.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Thank u for sharing this. We have to look after our elders. Otherwise the snakes will bite them.

[@mitchhedberg4415]

In states like MA it is triple damages to defraud the elderly. Blue state values.

[@gabrielconstantine7384]

Most dealerships are the same, total scams, up-selling for parts and labor that's not needed. Just do the necessary repairs yourself and bring it to a local shop to do the jobs you can't.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Exactly! They’re not satisfied with a good profit, it has to be huge or it’s unacceptable.

[@davinp]

@@FrugalMeScott dealers have high overhead costs, so they want to make money from you

[@velcrofishsticks6002]

Dealers rip you off while paying the techs doing the actual work almost nothing

[@akui88]

They sold me and charged me about 500$ worth of services and didn’t even do them. I went in for oil change and tire rotation, brake fluid flush and alignment. The only thing they did was oil change. They didn’t flush my brake lines, didn’t align my car and didn’t rotate my tires… When i confronted the service representative we went and tried to find the tech who supposedly did the work and he was nowhere to be found…. They offered me a free oil change for me calling them out on their scam. I will never go back to that dealership…

[@patrickbodine1300]

Cars made these days are built so that you cannot fix it yourself.

[@larrywelchko6136]

Even with a contract for “free” oil changes, I would NEVER go to a dealership for anything except dealer only parts.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Well said and thank u!

[@jobifretz5203]

My 2nd free oil change at dealership resulted in a third free change 4 days later due to an over torqued drain plug. I'm now considering throwing away contract for 6 more oil changes. Also, I almost didn't even get my car back before dealership closed for evening. It was incompetence at every level.

[@wendwllhickey6426]

Boss needs a commission this month 😂

[@sd906238]

Those gorillas will put the filter or the filter canister on so tight you will never be able to get it off again.

[@EmmettDelaney]

Great stuff, Scott. 😎 Free oil change scam is the worst. All it does is get you to bring them the car so they can convince you that you need other work to keep your car in order. Way to go man.

[@FrugalMeScott]

You are so correct. Most people that got the”free oil change for life” contract actually had a sneak fee in the initial contract! There’s no such thing as free.

[@mzollnerable]

I love how they say "FREE" one hundred twenty point service inspection. Tells me they have a hundred twenty ways to rob you. Oh Yeah, one Toyota dealership in central NJ for an additional eighteen hundred dollars install a monitoring system that reports back to the dealer all vehicle details, so the dealer can call and sell you, and you get to pay for this over reaching intrusion! Capitalism (greed) is going to kill this country.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Thank u Sir! These free oil change scams are the lowest of low!

[@FrugalMeScott]

I wonder how many elders have been taken advantage of?

[@ranger178]

yeah, the dam regional distributor adds that crap to the car price two years of oil changes they tightened the crap out of the oil filter so much it was a hell of a job to get it off or they never took off filter for oil changes too busy trying to sell useless stuff to you every time you come in.

[@rh9967]

Every time I take my vehicle in to the dealership I get average of around $2k in recommended “critical” repairs. Took my tundra in the other day for a tire rotation and I had to say “no” on almost $3,000 in maintenance and repair. One of them was transmission fluid replace. I told them I had that done around 10,000 miles ago by Toyota at another dealership and they told me they their systems aren’t linked. Took my wife’s Santa Fe into the dealership a few days later and they recommended around $2500 in repairs and maintenance. One of them was timing cover. I asked them to show me where it was leaking (talking to the service rep) and he told me it was probably just based off of mileage. I asked if it was normal to have timing cover leak at 80000 miles. And he really didn’t answer. Took it home and looked everywhere for any type of sign that the timing cover was leaking. Nothing! The also recommended tires and alignment which we just had done. I guess they’re hoping they just throw a bunch of stuff out there and it lands.

[@ToungeLaxier]

Stop taking your Tundra into the dealership. Beyond me why someone would spend dealership rates for a tire rotation. Support your local small mechanics instead of the corporations.

[@rh9967]

@@ToungeLaxier tire rotation was free.

[@doom4067]

They count on people not knowing anything about their own vehicles. A lot of the time they're probably correct.

[@bluemoonriderlipa6880]

Maybe you should contact the Toyota people in Japan and let them know that their dealerships here in America are just like other "stealerships". Traditional Japanese business culture finds no honor in stealing from customers. Toyota has been proudly featured in several business books on having honor in business. Japan needs to be informed.

[@FrugalMeScott]

I agree with you on this. I used to work over there and they certainly take pride in their brands and ethics. With that said, some dealers are taking advantage of a great product.

[@firstlast---]

I'm telling Japan on you 😂😂😂

[@AT-wl9yq]

How exactly are they going to walk into someone else's business and force them to change their prices? Can the dealers go to Toyota and force them to lower the sticker prices on new cars?

[@MarzNet256]

They don't call it the steelership for nothing. Charging Ferrari prices for toyotas.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Well said!

[@herczeus9341]

My dad had his own independent garage for over 50 years before he retired. He always charged fair prices and never oversold his customers. We had customers who had 3 generations (Father, Son, Grandson) bring their cars to him. We we never wealthy. We were middle class. He had judges and cops and very rich men bring their cars to him because they told me when they were nothing my dad would let them slide with small repairs and they never forgot it. Those days of honest men are for the most part over.

[@FrugalMeScott]

You are correct. The days of honesty are almost gone.

[@jeffro221]

@@FrugalMeScott We are witnessing the slide of a formerly great nation into a socialist/communist shat-hole. It won't take many more years, and the US will be on the level of Mexico, where cheating/stealing/dishonesty is the norm.

[@marinescott7790]

As an auto tech for the last 24+ years, now retired, and I have not and will not do these types of practices. I have no problems showing you what I would be talking about on repairs. I worked in dealerships, and don't like them. You are correct.

[@bobbamford5207]

Starving flat rate technicians trying to make a paycheck. Poverty level pay...

[@KenNickelson]

Did they charge you for premium air for your tires??

[@terencejay8845]

The great Nitrogen fill scam.

[@jeffrybassett7374]

The TPM sensors is the part that gets me. If you really can't tell you have a flat without the idiot light maybe you should let someone else drive.

[@larryjohns8823]

Most large tire shops (like discount tire) will service your TPMS way cheaper that the dealer.😊

[@tonyjordan1320]

My niece was told she had a bad sensor and she should go ahead and replace all 4 while she was there, I bought her a air gauge and told her to check her tire pressures every 2 weeks or so and save the $500 they wanted to charge her.

[@doom4067]

A licensed mechanic can't legally install tires on a vehicle after a certain year without functioning tpms sensors.

[@minuteman2547]

My Toyota dealership hates me. I go with a large black marker and redact line by line as I ask what is your proof? Hand it back and they look like a kid with their hand stuck in the cookie jar,

[@FrugalMeScott]

Exactly! They know you’re on to them.

[@bobbamford5207]

Many times when I have the car up in the air I show the customer the leaking water pump. Vehicles do need repair from time to time. People on here thing cars never break down.

[@jimiguitar3252]

​@@bobbamford5207Come on man, u know the comments here are purely about outright FRAUD.

[@hmbld1]

And I bet when they do the coolant flush and induction service, they don't really do it!

[@FrugalMeScott]

It’s probably a drain and fill process that almost anyone can do.

[@ua7pyro591]

Of course! It's all left to the tech. If the tech doesn't feel like doing it, it's not going to get done! Regardless of who's paying the bill

[@mattdudley3789]

Most dealers use BG Products which have their own flush machines for transmission, coolant and brake and the induction service.The problem is that BG provides spiffs to the tech and writers for those sold services , so they are often over sold

[@FrugalMeScott]

@@mattdudley3789 thank u for that information.

[@MikeC-g8f]

Had a similar experience from a Kia dealer after I brought it in for a recall.Nothing was wrong with anything they said needed attention to the tune of around $1000

[@citizengroovesboogienation2242]

Toyota dealership here told grandmother the rear brakes needed replacing. When I removed the rear drums, the shoes were in new condition and there was no brake dust to be found. I guess the shoes had been backed off and were not even making contact. 83 yr old woman would have been ripped off by the dealership had I not intervened.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Thank u for that. I’m glad you save her that time and money!

[@phattz03]

Funny they say you need tires, look at their used vehicles and see if they put new tires on them!

[@zfunk9]

He is misinterpreting that. His car is out of alignment, nothing to do with the condition of his tires.

[@endtables]

I have been working at a ford dealership for 17 years. Never once sold someone something they don’t need. Have customers come in and want something checked. I do front end work on f-250 up to f-750’s. Years from late 90’s up to current year. If I don’t find a problem I send it back to customer. I have told customers I won’t sell you something you don’t need! There are honest mechanics still around!

[@endtables]

And I get paid flat rate

[@FrugalMeScott]

Please mention your dealership and you if you are ok with it. I’ll make mention of it. Thank u so much for being honest with the people. Your input is always appreciated on here.

[@job38four10]

This is why dealerships want laws saying only dealers can work on cars. John Deere tried this few years ago stating computer software secrets have to be protected, more like the right to rip people of have to be protected, aka corrupt capitalism.........

[@richardpatterson2554]

Thats what Tesla does,, only Tesla has the software and they dont share it.. So your screwed and have to go to Tesla for the reaming.

[@job38four10]

@@richardpatterson2554 Anyone that buys a EV is screwed, coming and going, another reason why I'm hanging on to my 04 Liberty long as possible....

[@shanenice5380]

​@richardpatterson2554 I Don't wanna tesla

[@FrugalMeScott]

@@job38four10 I agree!

[@FrugalMeScott]

@@shanenice5380 I’m not buying one either!

[@shaverlocal]

Glad you made this video. My wife took her car in, 2019 Rav4 Adventure model and they charged her $700 bucks for totally unnecessary maintenance. I will NEVER take her car to a Toyota dealership ever again!

[@akui88]

I went to a Toyota dealership for oil change and tire rotation, they recommended brake fluid flush and alignment. When they brought my vehicle out they didn’t rotate my tires, didn’t touch the brake fluid cap and my car was going sideways after supposed alignment…

[@FrugalMeScott]

It’s becoming the norm. Small town mechanics with a good reputation is key.

[@shanenice5380]

​@FrugalMeScott depends.there good ones and bad ones.there shady ones out there.local ones

[@AT-wl9yq]

The only problem with that is to do what you're saying can't be done because your car doesn't have the adjustment for it. Couldn't do it if you wanted to. Are you absolutely sure the tires were not rotated? That can do it, and its a fairly common issue.

[@akui88]

@@AT-wl9yq yea, they did not rotate my tires cause 1 tire was in the passenger rear was replaced due to unpatchable puncture a month earlier, so the rear passenger tire was different from the other 3 tires.... guess where the tire was after the supposed rotation.... STILL IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE.... when me and the service advisor went looking for the tech who signed off on the work, he was NOWHERE to be found.

[@garfieldsmith332]

Must have been a real slow day at the shop. After seeing that list I would forgo the "free" oil changes and take my vehicle to a good reliable independent mechanic.

[@FrugalMeScott]

I agree! Thank u.

[@OhSoddit]

In 2012, after my first service OUT of "warranty", a Holden (Australia) dealer wrote up a list of $3,500 worth of "urgent" repairs required. (I remember the screeching voice of the secretary behind the desk - "if you get the water pump done straight away, we might be able to save your coolant"). I rang around and obtained much cheaper quotes. The very first of which (Strut top mount replacement) a gentleman at Pedders suspension refused to do it - he charged me a $14 inspection fee instead and said "the work does NOT need to be done". I didn't bother with any of the other "urgent repairs". In 2023, 11 years and 150,000 km's LATER, I finally needed to have the waterpump replaced - the waterpump, coolant, drive belt, drive belt pulley were replaced CHEAPER than the dealer had quoted me for the waterpump in 2012 !!!!!

[@FrugalMeScott]

Excellent. Thank u for sharing this with the group. Your input is greatly appreciated.

[@davinp]

Dealerships just want to make money as they have high overhead costs. It is better to take your car to an independent mechanic/repair shop after the warranty is over. Reminder Toyota does not own or operate the dealership. They are owned by a company and some rip you off.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Well said and thank u.

[@Anonymous-tl6zu]

Independent or local mechanic can also rip you off....

[@davinp]

@@Anonymous-tl6zu yes it's hard to find a trustworthy person, but there are a few out there

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Once any shop or dealer put money ahead of customer service, beware.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Well said Sir.

[@freddy6062]

I went to a local Firestone because my TPMS light was on. I just had new tires installed at Costco three months ago. Firestone told me I needed all new four tires. Never going back. Scam! They also tried to sell me a wheel alignment which was totally unnecessary.

[@FrugalMeScott]

I went to the one on Brunswick Ga for a front end alignment. I got in the car, the steering wheel was cocked over and it pulled hard to the side. I got underneath and the tie rod was loose/ near broken. I went back and showed them and immediately got my money back. You can’t make this stuff up!

[@danstrayer111]

Muffler bearing: $378.99. Blinker fluid:$56.99. Co-axial coupler alignment: $126.99. Sub-frame fastener replacement:$679.99.

[@FrugalMeScott]

And that’s a bargain!

[@e4300]

The idea behind this pricing was not to get you to do the so-called repairs but was to influence you to purchase a new car.

[@FrugalMeScott]

I think u are definitely on to something!

[@bsgarey]

That was my thought. They want to go to see the sales department.

[@FrugalMeScott]

@@bsgarey cash flow by any means necessary

[@chodkowski01]

The Honda dealership where I go to the waiting room is on the show room floor and the salesman are always walking by talking to you.

[@FrugalMeScott]

@@chodkowski01 good customer relations. Ha!

[@MACSDIY]

I took my 2016 GMC Sierra in for an alignment recently. When I picked it up, they suggested a coolant flush, changing the air intake filter, and replacing the spark plugs. I politely declined, explaining that I handle those tasks myself following the maintenance schedule outlined in my vehicle manual. Typically, I manage about 90% of the maintenance on my own, only relying on a mechanic for the remaining 10% when I lack the necessary tools or equipment. It felt like an upsell tactic, aimed at boosting the mechanic's earnings. I've encountered pushy dealership services before, but this seemed excessive. If they had suggested I needed new tires, I would have been skeptical, especially since mine are only a few months old. I even keep a tire depth gauge in my truck to check such claims, ready to challenge them if needed.

[@FrugalMeScott]

You are well informed. Unfortunately many people, especially the elderly will fall to these low life tactics.

[@chodkowski01]

The techs get commission for anything they can up sell.

[@Ghostdog4]

I dropped my Jeep off at the dealer at 8 AM. They called me at 11 AM saying it was ready. The bill was $1300 and included 8 hours of labor.

[@FrugalMeScott]

That brings in the question of their labor schedule.

[@jimiguitar3252]

How stupid do they think people are?

[@finallythetruthisout761]

My F150 was serviced a while back. They wanted me to change my transmission fluid and radiator coolant a battery. My battery was in need of replacement but the other stuff was complete TOTAL BS!

[@phattz03]

Rock auto parts is your best friend!

[@FrugalMeScott]

I definitely order from Rock Auto!

[@williamscanlan9681]

And always look for the 5% off discount code online. Love my RockAuto!

[@FrugalMeScott]

@@williamscanlan9681 thank h for the info on the 5 per cent. I didn’t know that!

[@dmo848]

Just Google in general. I found the best monroe struts on Amazon. My brother-in-law was replacing them every year or so from what I was told. So I said but better parts. Top of the line struts if your going to be driving in dirt roads like it's nothing. Feels like a new car to my sister now. Smh but I'm all fairness they didn't have much money at the time but still. Learned overtime u spend more in the king run like this. Jus buy good parts from the gate and usually don't have to deal with drama

[@dmo848]

​@@FrugalMeScottme either and I stay looking for coupons. Totally forgot online is different

[@appuser9276]

I’d file a complaint with the Attorney General and the FTC you may not get anywhere, but you sure get the satisfaction of putting those idiots on the radar. They have to respond.

[@mph5896]

Induction system cleaning is unnecessary unless its a direct injected engine. If its NOT direct injected, the throttle body needs to be cleaned occasionally (like once every 5 years). Non direct injected engines, fuel is sprayed on the intake valves, which cleans them.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Thank u for sharing this information.

[@tonycoruzzi3604]

Every car is now direct injection and most went that way after 2010, it's also a lot sooner then 5yrs. Just after a year when I scope mine it has a 1/4" build up and I blame that from the EGR. The longer you let it go the worse it gets, it also becomes even harder to remove. It a piece breaks off it can take a valve or a piston out which nowadays is an engine destroyer as the clearances are so close.

[@jpjp3873]

@@tonycoruzzi3604I think you’re confusing “fuel injection” and “direct injection”. Not all cars have direct injection.

[@MattL.-KE0SAW]

When our tpms sensor wears out, we get pressure indicator valve caps for $15 or an air gauge for $2. Insane!!! Went to a Toyota dealer about 6 years ago for a checkup on our van. They quoted us $6,000 for repairs! We only paid $8,000 for it. Other than basic maintenance we've had no major issues in 8 years.

[@ragtopdlxzl1]

Those valve caps can get broken and leak. I have a tire pressure gauge. Checking the tires every couple of months and/or when temperature outside gets cold.

[@Filtered-lw3gw]

Isn't that is why they are often called stealership rather than dealership? Remember, those service "advisors" are commission-based, the more they sell the more they make. The parts department is the same, the more they mark up the more they make there too. The mechanics are often the lowest paid that do the most work.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Stealership is the correct term.

[@AStanton1966]

When I was a kid, my mother took a used Ford Fairlane in for one bad muffler in the dual exhaust system. The mechanic put the car on the lift and commenced to beat the good muffler with a hammer. When I mother told him that that was the good muffler, he replied, "I'm checking to make sure that it holds up." I think the scam to watch at the dealers now is the "cabin filter." Back in the day, no car had a cabin filter. The other scam pertaining to Ford is the brake line flush. I bought a new 2020 Mustang GT and they recommend a change of brake fluid every 3 years due to "moisture build up." I'm so glad I traded that Mustang in for a Charger Scat--which has a metal oil pan by the way, unlike the Mustang!

[@kellismith4329]

Plenty of cars in the junkyard with the factory fill of brake fluid

[@FrugalMeScott]

Very good input! I’m actually going to do a video on the cabin air filter scam.

[@kellismith4329]

@@FrugalMeScott they’re crazy, a little tiny filter 2 or 3 times the price of the big air filter panel, I do oil changes for people I know and usually blow the cabin filters out with compressed air, show the owners the option of purchasing a new one - they always opt to put the old one back in there and forget we ever looked at it. I’m so glad my trucks are old enough to not have this kind of crap on them

[@jonulmer]

If you have brake fluid that is hygroscopic, (it absorbs water) then a brake fluid flush every 2 years is recommended. Why? Because when the fluid absorbs the moisture it looses some hydraulic performance abilities; it won't squeeze the brakes as hard. Why would you have moisture absorbing brake fluid? Because you'll rather the moisture adheres to the fluid than the brake components themselves, thus avoiding corrosion of the braking system from the inside. DOT 3,4 and 5.1 fluids are hygroscopic. My 2¢.

[@FrugalMeScott]

@@jonulmer thank u so very much for your input. It’s so important to get factual information out there to our Frugal Me Family. Your input is very appreciated.

[@frankmccanna2628]

My mother's Camry had a minor recall and while at the dealer they sold her a brake job. Probably didn't need it but she had it done by them. When she returned to have the recall done, part not in stock on first visit, they insisted that her brakes were severely in need of replacement. Mom told them not to touch her car, she realized that it was a scam.

[@FrugalMeScott]

She busted them!

[@72442conv]

4 Toyota TPMS sensors cost $43.99 on eBay, the over $700 is nuts.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Exactly! With their tactics, some people will fall for this. Please share this with your elderly friends and relatives.

[@AT-wl9yq]

You get them from ebay, then who's going to install them, balance the tires and program them? And that's if you can them to work. Aftermarket TPMS sensors won't always program. You have about a 50/50 chance they'll work.

[@72442conv]

@@AT-wl9yq The four for 43.99 sensors are not aftermarket, they are OEM Toyota sensors. You can have you local tire shop install them for a LOT less than $700, I doubt it would be much over $100.

[@billbaltas4674]

I had a dealership recommend a new air filter ($90) and a new cabin air filter ($120). I had replaced both of these 1 week before I took it to the dealer for an oil change. I asked the service advisor to show me, he couldn’t explain why they recommended an air filter when it was still bright white. It’s been two years and the dealer no longer makes recommendations to me.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Excellent. They now know you can’t be taken advantage of!

[@johnjurzec9624]

Took my Lexus RX350 to the dealership for 25,000 mile service covered under warranty. They claimed the rotors were warped and need replacement by 30,000 miles. They turned the rotors as a covered expense. The bill was $1000 for 4 turned rotors. They used to turn rotors for $6 each at Murray's in the old days. I can buy brand new cross drilled slotted performance rotors with pads for under $500 all the way around. Do it yourself.

[@Leader2light]

Always avoid dealer unless it's warranty work or recall work.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Absolutely agree!

[@shanenice5380]

I have warranty.they used warranty as a scam.its good but do they fixed it?I was mad at the lady she say warranty doesn't covered when I paid other parts.here I take to my mechanic it was something simple

[@FrugalMeScott]

@@shanenice5380 well said and thank u for your input.

[@Vasudeva108.]

I get my cars serviced at dealer exclusive because they newer cars but I do change my own batteries. If a big repair comes up and they quote me I will decline get a second quote by local shop see what they think and how much $$

[@FrugalMeScott]

@@Vasudeva108. excellent input and thank u!

[@roadrunner156]

And it's not just dealerships! I brought my Toyota Tundra to a national tire chain. I needed to replace the front tires and check the alignment (they had unusual wear on the outside). They told me I needed to replace bushings and quoted almost $1,100. I said no thank you and I went to my mechanic. He confirmed that I needed new bushings and did the job (parts and labor) for around $250. The author of this video was informed of concerns about the TPMS. Toyota's TMPS's have a battery inside and it's supposed to last about 10 years (in my case they lasted about 11 years), maybe this is the "concern"; the replacement for all 4 wheels costs $300-400 if performed by a decent tire shop. I see in a comment below that a guy was quoted more than $300 for a single wheel. Ridiculous!!! Needless to say, I never replaced the sensors; I can live with a flashing light in the dashboard (by the way just by cutting a wire I could get rid of the flashing), I check tire pressure weekly.

[@moon-light1354]

Never ever go back to the dealer except for warranty work and you still have to be careful. Find a good local shop, ask your friends where they go, do some research, My wife took her new car in for the first free oil change at 2000 miles and was presented with a bill of 146.83. She fought back and said in so many words that this is bs..

[@shanenice5380]

I agree I see locals do.good and bad mechanic.my take this mechanic over years.they say rusted.they should tell my mom it's getting bad.didnt passed the inspection.it was a solid car.they also never told her take to a shop u could fixed the rusted

[@richardkorcyl4743]

Where I live there is a Ford dealership and right beside it, across the fence, there is an independent garage with 10 bays. Guess what, the dealership repairs section is most of the time empty, but the independent guy can not keep up with customers. My Lincoln loves the independent guy.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Excellent and thank u for the input!

[@bml33]

As far as the tire replacement suggestion you should have called them out on that. I'd be like "Dude, can you not see that my tires are brand new? Tell me on what basis do you say I need new ones? Did you even bother looking at them before writing this estimate?" Make them answer you. Make them say it was a mistake or they didn't look at them. As far as the TPMS somebody on reddit said that OEM toyota sensors cost $134 each plus $80-$200 in labor. The sensors have to be calibrated with a scanner after replacement so that takes a little time. But here's the thing: they were trying to sell you tires as well. To replace the sensor you have to dis-mount the tire then mount and balance. To replace the tire you have to to the exact same thing. So they should have not added any labor for the sensor since they'd have to remove the valve stem sensor anyway. The TPMS estimate should have been maybe $400 with the tires. I think the reason they'd recommend new sensors is those sensors are transmitters sending their data to the car's computer and they probably have a tiny battery. Those little batteries can go after 10 years so when they see a 2014 Corolla it kind of makes good sense. However, to make things cheaper for the owner they should suggest doing it next time the tires are replaced. As for the spark plugs, they don't examine each one, they go by time and mileage and since you did it yourself they have no record of plugs being replaced, and on a 10 year old car it would be wise (if you didn't know it was already done).

[@FrugalMeScott]

Thank u for that information on the sensors! I wish I had been there when my wife went in there!

[@rossdean1997]

Recently my 2012 Mustang's Advance Track module went on the fritz. Ford quoted the part at $700 then add labor for another $160. I found the part online for $306 plus tax and shipping for a total of $346. Did the job myself. Dealers are rip offs.

[@seanhoward8025]

Scott, I had so much carbon build up in the intake runner, when my timing chain broke, I had no compression in a couple of the cylinders. The machinist thought I had bent valves, but noooooo...it was carbon blocking the valve seats! ​And the injector cleaning...I'd pour in a bottle of SeaFoam. I've had excellent results with this product over the years.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Thank u for sharing this information. I’ve never used any additives at 400,000 miles but it sure can’t hurt.

[@delcorick9967]

About the only thing I'd say to consider is induction cleaning if it's a gdi car which I think your corolla is but at a local shop, dealer just is goin off of recommended services due to mileage and year but likely not necessary to have done, definitely stay away from that dealer

[@FrugalMeScott]

Thank u for that input!

[@edwardthompson9981]

Midas tried to upsell me on drive axle boots. They were just replaced a month before. Told the guy and he wouldnt make eye contact anymore. Never be back.

[@FrugalMeScott]

I’m not surprised by that. Why does everything have to be so dishonest?

[@Sunnysez]

Ten years ago, a Firestone Dealer quoted me $1100.00 for needed work when I took it in to have the brake pads replaced. This (according to them) included new rotors, fuel filter, and leaking brake hoses. I told them no. They charged me $10 for the inspection and they would deduct it when I returned the car. I took it to an independent garage and had the pads replaced and the rotors turned for $140.00. They told me the other things mentioned were NOT bad. Find an independent shop you can trust and stay with them!

[@FrugalMeScott]

Very well said and thank u!

[@youtoobe169]

Also, when you get the email from Toyota asking for your rating, be sure to give 1 star and details

[@FrugalMeScott]

For sure will!

[@eddie-xi6ls]

I have a 2016 Audi A8L which now has 50k. Three years ago I took it to the Audi Dealer for a recall which they performed (the car had 35K at the time). When I picked it up the service rep told me I had a coolant leak and the repair cost would be around $1700. I passed on it. Since then I had to add about a quart of coolant twice.

[@FrugalMeScott]

If you look at the previous comments, there’s a huge number of similar stories. Thanks for following the channel. We have to look out for each other. Honesty is almost gone from these people.

[@sd906238]

When we bought our last Toyota it came with 4 free oil changes. No way was I going to drive all the way down there and let those ret@rds at the dealership work on my car. The last time I took the car down to them for for simple remove and replace bolts they screwed it up. They cross threaded a lug nut on the car so tight that the stud broke loose and spun around in the brake drum. I am a firm believer in "If you want it done right, you have to do it yourself". If you want it done wrong then take it to the dealer.

[@FrugalMeScott]

You are so correct! In most cases the oil change techs are in an entry level position and could care less about your investment. With that said, I’m sure there are some good ones out there. I will soon be doing a video on oil change scams. It happened to me.

[@Brees1986]

Took my daughter’s 2018 Hyundai Sonata with 116,000 miles to the dealer for a warranty issue with a cracked fuel pump. They recommended we replace the 4 spark plugs for $280. I bought the plugs from Rock Auto for $40, took me 20 minutes to replace. They said the thermostat needed replaced for $480. I did it in one hour for $50. They also recommended all the fluids be flushed. Probably about $1200 for all of the fluid “recommended service.” I said no.

[@FrugalMeScott]

You did the right thing. That’s a win!

[@dane5896]

Hopefully they changed the oil, and filter. I just watched a video of a woman who brought her Honda Ridgeline in to a mechanic for a noise from the transfer cast. The mechanic drained the fluid and it was like mud. He said that's the problem, you never serviced the transfer case. She than produced four recipes for four fluid changes in 90,000 miles. The dealer never changed it, but charged her every time.

[@FrugalMeScott]

These stories are pouring in. This is absolutely insane.

[@bryancreagan5838]

In 73, my wife took her 10 month old Nova to the dealership she bought it from. Plugs, oil and filter and air filter. When she got back home I had a look and NOTHING had been done. I don't think they even opened the hood.

[@dyates6380]

I have a Toyota now and haven't had ANY issues with the dealer when I take it in for routine stuff, but I did have a Subaru before this and the dealership I went to did the same crap. I remember one time I brought it in for something (routine maintenance) and they told me after the "multi point inspection" that there were a few things I needed to address, and I declined. Probably six or so months later, I brought it in again, probably for an oil change and again, the multi point inspection was done and what do you know? None of the things that previously "had to be addressed" were flagged. LOL. Then and there I shook my head and realized what a SCAM it is. I liked the Subaru a lot (although I love my Tacoma) but the reason I didn't buy another Subaru was literally due to that dealership's service department. VERY unscrupulous. They literally see you as a sucker and a meal ticket. That alone turned me off, and I told the guy who sold me the car that exactly when I was looking for a new vehicle and told him I'm going with a different brand.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Excellent input! There are definitely some good dealerships out there. I’m going to do a video on that very soon and maybe today. Thank u!

[@SirD31V1D]

Spark Plugs are like $9 each one, oil change like $40 with quality oil and oem filter, the induction injector cleaner service is scam as you mentioned with 2 BOTTLES OF Red Line Fuel System Cleaner does the same job for like $30. Thanks for sharing, nice video!

[@SimpleLife1971]

They're not called stealer-ships for nothing!

[@chetmyers7041]

A lady friend bought a new Toyota Corolla and the dealer provided their own sheet of recommended "Maintenance Inspection Items/Intervals." They invented their own safety item, "Every 6,000 miles, Inspect and Re-torque Tie-rod Bolts."

[@richceglinski7543]

What these dealerships don't understand is they loose more customers who are tired of the constant unnecessary upsells and feel beat up every time they visit the dealer. Stay away from the stealership and find a trusted independent shop with good referrals.

[@justhere4721]

Most repair shops change or fix whats broken. Dealers are taught to recommend changing parts before they break. Always ask which ones are actually not working as intended.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Excellent input and thank u.

[@puravida5683]

I didn't realize how bad the dealership scams were, until I moved to Costa Rica, with my 2006 4Runner V8 Sport Edition with 42,000 original miles. Maintenance costs are cheap when it comes to labor in Costa Rica. Part prices vary, if they need to be ordered. In 10 years, I have only had to buy 4 new tires, 2 new batteries, synthetic oil changes every 5,000 miles, new fog light bulbs, and passenger side front tie rod boots. All for about $2,000 in U.S. Dollars.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Thank u. The dealership scams have gotten worse!

[@jimiguitar3252]

Something I would like to try. Get long list printed of unnecessary work/repairs. Present list to an independent shop and have unnecessary items/repairs listed and certified as such in writing. File complaint with state DMV, attorney general, BBB, state consumer protection dept. And anyone else u an think of. Getting an independent garage to do this may be difficult though.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Excellent idea and thank you.

[@DanHolmes-o9b]

Thanks man, it's not just your dealership but many. I'm now convinced one needs a trustworthy and reliable self employed mechanic..

[@dogman8436]

Problem is dealerships seldom supplement technicians low warranty pay due to short manufacturers warranty allowance pay times. So to allow technicians to make a fair paycheck the dealership actually encourages and permits writing up way overpriced, often unneeded service and repairs for cars past warranty where the customer has to pay. This is out of control at many dealerships.

[@FrugalMeScott]

I agree and if we all share this, it might save a few people from being taken to the cleaners. Thank u.

[@helpfulhippo3744]

I think the problem is that they are selling based on vehicle miles and you cannot expect them to know that you replaced the spark plugs and water pump, dealership is rarely a cost effective location for repairs and most items can be done on simpler vehicles by a DIY'er and save some serious cash. Dealers and repair shops usually use defined times for repairs "book time" rather than actual time, this is likely 50 - 100% higher than it actually takes and when combined with high dealership labor per hour charges can really balloon a repair bill.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Thank u for that input.

[@charlesk46563]

Recently needed brakes, was quated $ 600 a axel. Old nissan with rotors, price did not include turning or replacement rotors. Cars saved only worth $3000 not worth spending $1200 or more so was going to send to junk yard. Decided to look on KZbin to see how hard to change myself, looked very easy so Decided to do my self. $60 for parts, $50 for a floor jack $30 for a cheap tool set $ 5 for a rubber mallet and a 2x4. Easy to do, remove tire, remove top 12mm bolt, using mallet rotate brake caliper up, remove old pads, use 2x4 to compress brake cylinder install new pads ,reinstall caliper, reinstall tire. Took longer to remove and reinstall tire then it did to change the pads.did the hole job in 1 1/2 hours, and im no mechanic and 65 and disabled. So for a $155, i saved $1100 or more. Im sure a mechanic with a lift and air tools could have done it in less then a hour , what a rip off. I would have paid 4 or 5 hundred to have it done and the shop would have made $300 + profit. So now i have a good safe second car for winter, or just a back up

[@FrugalMeScott]

You and I are in the same page. Unfortunately there’s too many east pickings for them to rip off. :(

[@doom4067]

Some auto parts stores will lend you tools for this kind of thing.

[@stevenvalett1231]

Local mechanic is charging dealership prices and usually take more than one visit to fix. Went back to dealership.

[@FrugalMeScott]

I’m hearing that to. It’s getting crazy.

[@Galaxylord2]

There is a reason we call them stealerships. And they live off of ripping people off for unnecessary repairs.

[@FrugalMeScott]

That word is so correct!

[@biometal770]

Service writers are paid on COMMISSION. Tells you all you need to know.

[@michaelbriese9417]

I have a few questions that I do not see in the comments. Did you bring your concerns to the dealer's service manager or the general manager? Did you point out the one glaring fact that the tires were only six days old? Did you ask them to show you why the other maintenance items listed were recommended? Putting your concerns on You Tube does not fix your issues. It only allows you to vent your frustration but does not rectify the situation.

[@kenuber4014]

When was the last time you tried to talk to the Owner, General Manager, Service Manager....They don't exist during operating hours. They aren't going to stop to talk to you about your belly aching, and whining! Dealerships suck!! Lol

[@michaelbriese9417]

@@kenuber4014 Just two weeks ago when I had an issue. He took care of the issue with no problems at all. You should try it.

[@michaelbriese9417]

@@kenuber4014 I talked to the service manager two weeks ago at my local dealership. If a shop appreciates it customers and the money they bring in, the shop will always be available to the customer to iron out any differences. Open communication is really the best way to keep customers and their money coming back.

[@kenuber4014]

@@michaelbriese9417 Well your\'re one in a ,million. Most people I know avoid the dealership like the plague! Good luck in the future with your dealership!

[@toddvance1979]

been twisting wrench's for almost 30 years now and i can tell ya it always comes down to the mechanic that is working on your car/truck. Make sure it's an experienced passionate mechanic that likes to help people not pad his paycheck.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Thank u so much and we r on the same page. Please put your name out there. We need honest people.

[@jasoncrandall73]

I normally never buy tires at a dealership. But sometimes when I need them & their special is very good I would. I have had the same amount of good & bad service departments at dealerships. I am not afraid to go somewhere else. 🤷

[@FrugalMeScott]

Excellent input. I recently did a video on a deal at Sam’s Club. It was a win. If u view it, please let me know what you think.

[@ElectroAtletico]

I recently went to the Toyota dealer for simple work. They also told me that I needed new tires. Yes I do. I know that. But they were quoting me $375 per tire + installation & balance. I got a set of 4 from COSTCO with free TPMS replacement, installation & balance for $235 per tire.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Winning! That’s the way to do it. Check out my video on Sam’s Club tire pricing vs the 900 dollar Michelin quote I got from a local tire store.

[@seanh2390]

costco is great for tires - competent staff, professional work, reasonable prices, and fresh tires that have not been sitting around for a couple of years. only possible downside for some people is that selection may be limited to a few choices.

[@FrugalMeScott]

@@seanh2390 thank u for that information. There’s no Costco near me. :(

[@kcp71]

The Toyota dealer to me my 2021 rav4 with only 8k ( 2yr old ) on it told me my brake fluid, cabin filter and ventilation sanitizing was need at my expense. I took the car in for my free oil change and 10k service. I had inspected the cabin filter the week before and it was clean. When I asked the service advisor why the brake fluid needed changed at such a low mileage she said it was due to mileage and age. When I said contact Toyota to have it covered under warranty because we have an issue with the brake system. Funny how she said it was only a recommendation. I took it to my mechanic and he flipped. He checked the brake fluid and said it's just like new and no smells in the ventilation system. He copied the estimate and has it posted on the wall to show how these dealers rip people off.

[@firstlast---]

Brake fluid does not last forever. Technically it should be replaced around 3yrs 36k miles. Several manufacturers have this recommendation in their service interval. With that being said, most won't go that far. At the very least you should be doing a brake flush every brake job

[@philipashley9723]

I bought a new Tacoma in 2020, I always have my first oil changed at 1,000 miles. I had to argue with the service manager, for 10 minutes, he claimed, there's no need to have an oil change before 10,000 miles anymore. I had it done anyway. While waiting for the oil change, a young woman asked if I wanted the AC system flushed, $65 at that time. I asked why, at 1,000 miles, she said, it's recommended? I refused, I then phoned another Toyota dealer, and asked about the AC flush at 1,000 miles, he said he'd never heard that at 1,000 mikes. I bought a new Toyota 4runner in January this year, again, after 1,000 miles, I booked an oil change. Again, I had to argue with the service agent agent, it was too soon, he said. I paid for the oil change, I'll get my first free oil change at 6,000 miles. 😁

[@FrugalMeScott]

Awesome for standing your ground. Lots of good people cannot say no!

[@doom4067]

You can change your oil every day if you want; it would just be a waste of time and money. It's interesting that they tried to not sell you an oil change, but tried to sell you an AC flush. I have a Toyota dealer accept an appointment to change my oil and then didn't change it. They never explained why they didn't want my money, but I've never taken my truck back there.

[@CouchMan88]

I had a 2017 Corolla. Easy to work on. What they don’t suggest is a cvt transmission drain and fill which should be done periodically but is NOT recommended by Toyota. Eventually the trans will fail if you never change the fluid. It’s about $200 from the dealer and actually worth it.

[@jerrylundegaard2592]

A comical thing happened to me at a Maryland Honda dealer a couple of years ago. We were trading a HRV. The used car manager presented a list of things which needed to be done. Included was an oil change service. On the Carfax they ran the report listed, as the last item, an oil change service at a different Honda dealer two weeks before. I did not buy at this dealer as they were clearly far from ethical.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Thank u for sharing this. At this point I’m going to say that in my opinion ,97 per cent of the dealerships are screwing the average customer. Thank you.

[@no1but24]

Crazy how dealership labor rates are a $190 an hour and the top tech only gets $35 of that not to mention the mark up on the parts. Everybody always says well the dealerships provide insurance for their employees lol that’s a joke. I work at a dealership and paying about $900 for my wife and I a month for insurance. How much of that exactly is my dealership paying lol

[@FrugalMeScott]

And every time we have purchased a vehicle, they tell us “ we have cut that price to the bone”! They are nothing more chess game players drooling over your money.

[@rustedhorsepower5132]

I worked for GM dealerships, for many years. And i "upsold" alot of things, but, they were legitimate. I didnt scam people, i just pointed items out, and would gladly show them leaks etc before repairs. I wasnt too popular with management , because i was honest. But yeah, there are crooked mechanics out there, stories like this make me upset, they give all of us a bad name, im glad i left the dealerships tho.

[@thecuss6817]

Yukon was at dealership for warranty air bag replacement. "Laundry list" of service for $1750 included new radiator hoses (I'd just replaced those a month before when doing a water pump), mine still had Gates stickers on them and non-GM worm-type hose clamps. Most likely that "diagnosis" was made without lifting the hood.....obviously, NONE of those items were necessary.

[@rustedhorsepower5132]

@@thecuss6817 yup, it happens. Crooked techs are praised by mgrs. They bring in alot of $$.

[@rustedhorsepower5132]

But get this, those same mgrs that wanted us to "upsell work" , got all bent out of shape if i tried to upsell on a vehicle still under factory warranty, or with the dealership's own in house extended warranty. Hypocrites.

[@rodzimmerman1979]

Some of what they recommended is a good idea to do as preventive maintenance and some is over selling. I can't believe they flagged you for tires after you had just replaced them. Also if your tire store was doing it's job they should have checked the TPMS battery levels so that if they were getting low they could have changed them when the tires were off of the rims. It has a TPMS computer and if anything goes wrong (not including battery health) the TPMS light will come on. Induction SVC is actually a good idea in many newer cars with direct fuel injection to prevent carbon build up on the back of the valves because they don't get the fuel with it's cleaning agents. It may build up to a point where the cylinder heads have to come off to clean them. They likely just flagged the spark plugs by mileage because no one is going to pull a spark plug to inspect it so they did not know you had replaced them. Many new cars have Iridium plugs in them now which don't require replacement until 105-120 thousand miles now. One must do some leg work as far as research is concerned to understand What their car needs and what it does not. I was standing in a service department at a GM dealer recently and the advisor was trying to sell a woman SVC's on the transfer case and differentials telling her they should be done every 15,000 miles. She was not even asked what type of driving she does. The recommendation is actually every 60,000 miles unless they are run in water above the axles. Then it is at 15K. She was quoted several hundred dollars for these services. She only had 15,000 miles on her new truck. I had a repair shop for 45 years before I closed it and retired. We would recommend services based on mileage and explain that to our customers because we had no way of knowing what may have been done by another shop or by the customer themselves without taking the car apart. It is a big mistake not to explain why the recommendations were made for this very reason. It makes you look like you are overselling.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Thank u for the great input!

[@edwardinvegas]

TPMS aren't worth replacing if the batteries are actually really dead...Check tires once a week with a tire gauge. I know you are Toyota. But with Honda: "Honda indirect TPMS systems do not have air pressure sensors inside the tires. Rather, they detect a low tire by comparing relative wheel speeds via the anti-lock brake system (ABS) wheel speed sensors."

[@FrugalMeScott]

Thank u for that input and I love Honda as well. A forever vehicle!

[@michaelalan1270]

Everytime I take my Toyota to the local dealer for something simple to be repaired they come back with a laundry list of other things to repair that don't need it. I now use 2 independent garages for everything for my Toyota, Lexus, and Mercedes. The local Toyota is the worst. These big dealerships have such a high overhead to cover.

[@FrugalMeScott]

Thank u for sharing.

[@obwan7217]

I recently experienced very similar at the Hyundai dealer.Went for a recall that was mailed to me from the factory on my 2020 Santa Fe. .Turns out after inconveniently rearranging my schedule for the appointment the recall was for an electrical issue on the tow hitch.(I don't have a tow hitch) I learned this when they handed me a quote to replace cabin air filter for $90, front and rear wipers for $126, change brake fluid $197.....I declined and left a bit pissed. cabin air filter local auto parts $9,wipers top of the line front and back $29,brake fluid crystal clear no need to change.. I feel it was a total rip off, nothing more...Sad really..(They did have good free snacks and coffee)

[@FrugalMeScott]

Awesome, you did not fall for their crap. Unfortunately our elders fall victim to their bs!

[@chetmyers7041]

The stealerships do offer those cool POD style individual coffees.

[@FrugalMeScott]

@@chetmyers7041 it’s all part of the fluff. lol!

[@doom4067]

You might not have a tow hitch, but that doesn't mean that you don't have the wiring for it.

[@dougshankle7946]

I've never used a dealership for any repairs ever. I have a long time mechanic who is honest and ethical and always does a great job never had one problem. And typically 30% cheaper.

[@FrugalMeScott]

That’s definitely the best way to go. Thank u!

[@littlet7556]

My dealership wanted me to change the air filter after 20k. I checked it just before I went for the 20k service and it was clean. The filter the service guy brought me out was one that was black. Never again!

[@FrugalMeScott]

Lots of these stories. It’s crazy!

[@peterl2017]

As an independant, I have seen this many times. They can be brutal, and have absolutely no consience.

[@rickys6770]

To buy OEM parts, don't show up at the dealer parts counter and ask for parts. Order them online from the manufacturer and have them delivered to the dealer. The cost of ordering parts from the manufacturer is less than half than buying from the dealer.